Latex is ubiquitous! It is everywhere. People with a latex allergy must be vigilant about coming in contact with natural rubber latex.
Latex is the liquid form of rubber and is used in the manufacturing of products that are "dipped" into a latex bath. Some of those products are gloves, balloons and condoms.
It has been known since the 1930s that latex proteins and the chemical additives can cause an allergic dermatitis. However, latex allergy did not become well known until the late 1980s when the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) mandated that all health care workers wear gloves when providing direct patient care or handling of human blood and body fluids. The outbreak of blood borne pathogens such as HIV prompted this mandate.
In the process of manufacturing gloves, several washing steps are used to wash out the allergic proteins. With the increased demand for latex gloves in the 1980s and 1990s the manufacturers skipped some steps in order to meet the demand.
The manufacturers also sprayed cornstarch powder in the gloves to help the gloves slide easier when donned.
With frequent hand washing and wearing of latex gloves, the health care worker would develop dry cracked skin. With continued exposure, the worker was at risk for dermatitis and developing an allergic reaction.
Additionally, the powder in the gloves can aerosolize the latex proteins and cause an allergic response though inhalation.
It is known that 18 percent of all health care workers have developed a latex allergy. Of those, 12 percent have a type I mediated allergy. Initial contract dermatitis with repeated exposure can lead to a type IV or type I allergic reaction. Type I is the most serious and can lead to asthma and or anaphylaxis.
It is imperative to be constantly aware of the risks not only for those who are already sensitized but for those who constantly use latex gloves.
A major concern for this writer is food handlers who use latex gloves. The latex proteins are transferred to the food product and when consumed can cause a latex reaction.
Those who already are sensitized must also be aware of cross reactivity with many tropical fruits such as bananas, avocado, kiwi and mangos.
For more information, go to www.latexallergyresources.org.
• Marge Konieczny is a registered nurse and was diagnosed with a latex allergy in 1997. She lives in Carson City and has taught nursing at WNC the last eight years. She is writing a book "Living with a Latex Allergy."